By CLARKE STACKHOUSE/ Shelby County Reporter

JEMISON – Jemison City Park will host a celebration of American heroes during the Jemison Veteran Celebration Weekend August 5-6, benefiting Disabled American Veterans Chapter 33.

Event coordinator Josh Jennings said the weekend will be full of family fun and a way to raise donations for Disabled Veterans Chapter 33.

“Any money raised will go straight to the chapter,” Jennings said. “They will get 100 percent of the profits.”

Jennings said the event was the idea of John R. Smith and his wife Burnice Smith. John sings in a gospel music group “Heavens Strings” and started doing the benefit for the DAV four years ago. Burnice said they wanted the city to become more involved this year and talked to Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed. Burnice said Reed “could not have had a more positive reaction.”

DAV Chapter 33 adjutant and service officer Phil Burnette said the mayor has helped in everyway he can for the weekend.

“The city has this great 25 acre park,” Burnette said. “The mayor said, ‘Here’s our park.’ He’s been doing a lot of leg work and it has helped a ton.”

Burnette said the city has helped rent booths for different vendors and arts and crafts.

Mike Wellburn, DAV Chapter 33 service officer said the weekend will start with gospel music at the municipal complex on Friday, August 5 at 7 p.m. The opening ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 6.

Wellburn said an honor guard from Maxwell Air Force Base will lead the raising of the flags and Miss Peach Hannah Tierce will lead the national anthem.

Jennings said there will be something for “everyone in the family to enjoy.” He said there will be food, local vendors and arts and crafts along with a car and tractor show.

Jennings said any car or tractor is welcome to participate for a $10 donation to the DAV. He said LifeSouth will have a blood drive bus at the park from 9 a.m. -4 p.m.

Jennings said the night will end at the municipal complex with more gospel music at 5 p.m.

“It has grown bigger than anything we could imagine,” Wellburn said. “This is just the first year, next year we’ll outgrow the park.”

For more information on the celebration weekend visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/jemisonvetfest/. If interested in renting a booth or participating in the car and tractor show contact Jennings at (205) 299-2928.